lways a good, honest little girl, and you have grown
up an honest woman; you want to do your duty and slave for Marcus and
Dot, and you have begun nobly by starving yourself until you are on the
verge of an hysterical attack, but we must think of Marcus. Martha
must not go, at least, not until the winter is over. I have been
saving a few pounds for your Christmas present I meant you to have had
a new dress and jacket, and a few other little things you needed; but
if you like to pay Martha's wages with it until Easter you can please
yourself--only take it and say no more--what, crying again! What
nonsense, as though I may not give my own niece a little present."

"It is the goodness and the kindness," returned Olivia, with a low sob.
"Aunt Madge, why are you so good to me? You have saved all this, and
you have so little to spare--as though I do not know what a small
income you really have."

"It is a very respectable income, and my dear Fergus worked hard to
make it. I never professed to be a rich woman, but I have everything I
want. If people would only cut their coat by their cloth, as Fergus
used to say, there would be less distress in the world; well, my wants
are few; I have no milliner's bills;" here there was a gleam of fun in
the invalid's eyes. "No smart bonnets or fashionable mantles needed at
this establishment; only just a cosy tea-gown now and then when the old
one is too shabby. Come, Olive, are you not going to count your
money?" And then Olivia emptied the contents of the little purse on
her lap.

"Well?" as the slim fingers sorted the gold and silver; "will there be
enough for Martha's wages until Easter?"

"Yes, indeed, Aunt Madge, and there will be some over. I can buy the
stuff for baby's winter pelisse without troubling Marcus, and do you
know," knitting her brows in careful calculation, "I do believe that
with a little contrivance and management I can get some new trimming
for my Sunday hat, and a pair of chevrette gloves; good chevrette
gloves are dear, but they wear splendidly, and a pair would last me
most of the winter--yes," her eyes brightening, "I am sure I could do
it; it does fret Marcus so to see me shabby."

Mrs. Broderick nodded in a sympathising way--she knew the joy of these
small economies and contrivances; the little purse of savings had not
been gathered together without some self-denial; but as she saw the
lovely rainbow smile on Olivia's face, she felt that she had